The Power of Imagination for Meaningful Learning

Findings in affective neuroscience confirm this and what many educators know intuitively: emotions direct attention, memory, and understanding. (Immordino Yang, 2011) Yet, with the increasing influence of automation and LLM platforms, such as ChatGPT, the classroom experience becomes standardized, and efficiency-driven learning environments risk becoming mechanical, linear, and predictable, leaving less space for imagination, curiosity, and personal connection, ultimately impacting overall creativity. (Hassen, 2005; Chow, A. R., 2025). 

Imagination, nevertheless, is often associated with the arts and good teaching. However, educators can intentionally spark it using carefully chosen educational tools. Research in the field of Imaginative Education, conducted by Gilliam Judson and Kieran Egan, offers educators concrete “cognitive tools” that can intentionally engage students emotionally, enhance experiential learning, and foster deep connections across all subjects. Rather than relying on abstract terms that may be confusing, Imaginative Education provides practical strategies for teachers to connect lessons at a deeper level with their students, increasing creativity and fueling a sense of adventure, ultimately making the experience felt first and then understood. 

 

Examining it more closely in classroom terms, forming positive emotional associations with the content makes learning memorable. Imagination does not work separately from experiential or relational learning; instead, it works in harmony with them, creating immersive environments allowing individual ownership of meaning. Foreseeing new possibilities adds excitement and value to meaning, finally making it memorable. 

Educational Imagination identifies cognitive tools tailored to meet the diverse needs and developmental stages of learners. These include story and narrative, dramatic tension, vivid mental imagery, metaphor, humour, wonder, extremes and limits and bodily engagement. These tools are not subject-specific; they can be applied across disciplines to activate curiosity and emotional investment. For example, narrative and dramatic opposition can bring a math lesson to life and make it experiential, while metaphor and imagery can deepen conceptual understanding in science or geography. Used these tools intentionally to support diverse learners and strengthen cross-curricular connections. 

Relational and experiential learning increases the impact and effectiveness of imaginative tools. Imagination places students in real-world situations, activating scenarios that require them to solve problems. Helping their tolerance for ambiguity and creativity. Bochman adds, “that learning through real contexts makes knowledge meaningful and interconnected.” His research on community-based and multidisciplinary experiential learning demonstrates that student agency increases and a blurring of subject boundaries occurs within real-world scenarios. This approach expands organically, instead of linearly sustaining emotional engagement, reflection, and tolerance for uncertainty. Adapt conditions for creativity and genuine understanding.  

A practical example of synthesis is using drawing and comics to convey the meaning of deep Indigenous symbols in an English Class, or promote the core values of Crescent School through “Legacy Comics” during a drawing club. Alternatively, consider adding renowned literature to Location and Movement, or adding storytelling and narrative, as well as navigational triangulation, to convey the meaning of the Pythagorean Theorem during math class. As students draw, read, and live stories for different subjects, they engage emotionally, cognitively, and physically, developing a strong bond with their learning and making cross-curricular connections to literacy, visual arts, ethics, and social studies. 

Educative Imagination is accessible and actionable for everyone and is not bound only to inspiration. By combining imaginative cognitive tools with experiential learning, teachers can create emotionally rich environments that foster curiosity, creativity and lifelong engagement with learning. 

Links to cognitive tools for Imaginative Education